Modern, Compact and Sustainable: Point Loma House in San Diego

The Point Loma house was designed by Macy Architecture/Jensen & Macy Architects and is located in San Diego, California. The owners wanted a residence that would be sustainable and make the most of the building site. According to the architects, “the house has been conceived according to passive solar and natural ventilation design principles. Horizontal sunshades shield glass from summer heat gain, while the interior is naturally ventilated via the central atrium and clerestory windows. The house’s simple form is compact (48’ L x 40’ W x 23’ H), minimizing the exterior surface area, maximizing thermal performance, and reducing electrical and plumbing runs. The living, dining, kitchen and master bedroom are located on the upper level and oriented to capture views of the Pacific Ocean, Mission Bay and La Jolla“. You could say that the most striking thing about this home is the fact that 95% of anticipated electrical needs are ensured by a roof-mounted photovoltaic system. A clever way to go, especially for a residence of these dimensions.